Compassionate
Psychological
Therapy and Training

With over 30 years experience of working in the field of child sexual abuse, sexual violence, domestic abuse and complex trauma, I have set up Compassionate Psychological Therapy and Training Limited to offer psychological therapy to people who have a history of trauma. Alongside I also provide training to national and international charities, mental health organisations, colleges, institutions, universities, NGOs, and a range of professionals to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the complex nature and dynamics of trauma, its impact and how to become trauma wise practitioners.

 

Trauma is complex and multi-layered and as it affects each individual differently, no one therapeutic modality fits all clients. To aid recovery and healing I believe it is essential to view trauma through the lived experience of each individual and to be open and flexible to find the most effective approach for each client. I offer a safe and compassionate environment in which to build a secure therapeutic relationship in order to restore connection to self and others and develop relational worth. In order to overcome the powerlessness and helplessness in childhood, I support clients to recognise their strengths and encourage them to cultivate these so that they can become truly empowered and restore control over their lives. 

 

Compassionate Psychological Therapy and Training is built upon the foundation of the Power Threat Meaning Framework and Trauma Informed Practice which includes awareness of trauma, safety, collaboration, trustworthiness, empowerment, and psychoeducation. It also incorporates the principles of compassion, humility, inclusivity, intersectionality, and affirmative practice when working with neurodivergent clients, and those who are marginalised or stigmatised.

 

My aim throughout is to provide physical, emotional and psychological safety in which to explore overwhelming and confusing somatic sensations, feelings, thoughts, and behaviours, how they link to emotional dysregulation, and how these can be managed through developing emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Psychoeducation can help both clients and practitioners to understand and normalise trauma reactions, to make sense of these, and enable them to view distressing symptoms as protective survival strategies. In providing resources to clients which aid them in restoring control and mastery over their physiological and psychological reactions they are more able to process traumatic and challenging experiences so they can be integrated to allow for post-traumatic growth. 

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